Part of the story of the climb -
The ascent was almost unnoticeable for the first kilometre or so as you passed by dried reeds that stood out in the backlight. The climb proper began as you reached the forest. Now it was a true hikers’ trail. Switchback after switchback until you reach a saddle between two mountains. Here there was a round table with bench seats and a sign proclaiming that this was Ngunnawal country. The mount had indeed been significant for them, a place to guide their paths.
There was another sign about orchids. “This section of the track is particularly rich in orchids, especially in spring” and “Tidbinbilla has more orchid species than all of Britain” got me somewhat excited. Now, other than the snakes I’d been keeping an eye out for, I could look for orchids. Way I figured it was that seeing an orchid would give me a special feeling of goodness while sighting a snake is clearly not a pleasant experience and death can result. Bit of no-brainer really. For the next ¾ of an hour though, I saw neither, though you must remember I was really only looking for orchids.
From the saddle the climb became steep in places and they ever had steps here and there. Glimpses of distant views could be garnered through gaps in the branches, hastening my footsteps somewhat. Somehow you most often seemed to be heading away from your destination but then, a few twists and turns later and you could see the summit above.
Scraggy gums left mottled shadows as you moved into the granite proper, large lumps of rocks that you had to divert around, like protective walls around a castle, and you had to find a way through. The rocks became larger and then, just ahead, a properly constructed lookout of hatched steel flooring.
Somehow, while the view was impressive, you just knew it was going to be better further on. The trail swung away and into the large outcrop until, suddenly, you were beside a broad made road, the fire trail that came via a different, and shorter route. Right beside it was a sign, “Welcome to Gibraltar Peak”. Yet you weren’t actually up the top just yet. That was about another 300 metres further on and, when I zig-zagged through the giant boulders, excitement came to the fore yet again.
There was a giant crack in one monolith that you could squeeze through and that led you to what could be fairly labelled the rear view. Impressive though it was, you couldn’t help but feel the main event was on the other side, and so it transpired. Finally clearing all obstacles I clambered on top of one giant slab of rock. “Wow” was the word that immediately came to mind and it didn’t disappear for some time. - continued on next page

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5/5 Excellent

"Business or pleasure stay, Deco is value for money"

A verified traveler stayed at Deco Hotel

Posted 22 hours ago

5/5 Excellent

A wonderful place to stay.

"A very convenient hotel for the purposes of my visit. It was close to the shopping centre, the supermarket, the bus and restaurants. The room was clean and comfortable and had everything that I needed. The pillows were so comfortable! I would stay here again."

A verified traveler stayed at The Sebel Canberra Civic

Posted 2 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"I stayed alone. The room has been renovated so it’s very new, and the bathroom is also very clean. The 24-hour reception is excellent. There is some noise insulation issue when people pass by or talk in the corridor, but I didn’t hear any noise from the neighbouring rooms during my stay."

A verified traveler stayed at ibis Styles Canberra

Posted 4 days ago

5/5 Excellent

very cool tropical design restaurant lay out

"Old building but well maintained, openable window is good to have some fresh air in the room but central aircon which is hard to set room temperature as u want. Close to tram station and walkable to Dickson where tons of shops and restaurants are there."

A verified traveler stayed at Pavilion on Northbourne

Posted 6 days ago

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Deco Hotel

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The Sebel Canberra Civic

Madison Capital Executive Apartments

QT Canberra

Avenue Hotel Canberra

Meriton Suites Canberra

ibis Styles Canberra

Pavilion on Northbourne

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